Leaker to Seek Political Asylum There Until He Can Travel to Latin America

MOSCOW—National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden emerged from seclusion Friday to say he wants political asylum in Russia until he can find a safe way to reach the Latin American countries offering to harbor him.

Mr. Snowden's plea to enter Russia after nearly three weeks in the Moscow airport's transit zone reflects his narrowing options after the U.S. withdrew his passport, pressured countries to reject his asylum requests and made efforts to prevent him from reaching those nations willing to take him.